The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is one of the most used joints in the body. It lets people chew, talk, yawn, and perform other activities with their mouths by allowing the jaw to move up, down, and side-to-side. Like any joint in the body, the TMJ can develop problems over time that makes it difficult or painful to use. Here’s more information about TMJ disorders and possible treatments a Family Dentist in Viera can perform to fix the problems.
Causes and Symptoms of TMJ Disorders
TMJ disorders can be caused by a variety of issues including:
• Injury or trauma to the jaw, the muscles of the head and neck, or the joint
• Age-related arthritis
• Grinding or clenching of the teeth
• Tight facial muscles from chronic stress
• Bone disorders and diseases
• Damage to the cartilage connecting the joint to the jaw
The symptoms of a TMJ disorder typically develop over time, and the most common symptom is intense pain on one or both sides of the face. The person may also experience:
• Toothaches
• Head, neck, and shoulder pain
• Dizziness
• Difficulty opening the mouth wide
• Lockjaw
• Clicking or popping noises during chewing or when opening the mouth wide
• Swelling and/or tenderness on one or both sides of the face
• Tinnitus
Some of these symptoms can be caused by other oral health problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, and sinus issues. Therefore, a dentist will typically perform x-rays and various tests to confirm the issue is the temporomandibular joint. Click here to know more.
Treatment Options
Depending on the cause of the problem, a dentist may treat a TMJ disorder in a couple of different ways. The dentist may prescribe medication to alleviate pain and swelling. If the disorder is caused by tooth grinding or jaw clenching, the person may be prescribe muscle relaxants or anti-anxiety medication to reduce stress or relax the muscles in the jaw.
Missing and worn down teeth can throw off the vertical alignment in the mouth, leading to an awkward bite. The dentist may recommend replacing missing teeth or covering worn teeth with crowns to balance the mouth and reduce the stress on the joint.
There are other treatment options a dentist can use to fix TMJ disorders. For Exceptional Dentistry contact a nearby Family Dentist in Viera.
